Her brother’s hands, for whom she had longed over such a long time, embraced Livia’s back firmly. That almost suffocating strength conveyed his affection for her, making it not burdensome but rather welcome.

“I’ve been waiting for you. I thought if I became a ferryman, I might meet you someday… But not like this.”

The tender gestures between them remained unchanged whether one lived or died. While holding the sobbing Livia, Iason too swallowed his dry tears.

The time they had spent cherishing each other as family far exceeded the time they hadn’t been family. Their lack of blood connection meant nothing to them.

They had only wished for each other’s happiness, and simply being together had brought joy and peace—my brother, my family. Though tragedy had separated them, after many twists and turns, they finally reunited.

The black hand that guided the dead firmly gripped the waist of Livia, who still retained the warmth of the living.

“You became Charon to meet me, Iason? To wait for me…?”

“Father went to meet Mother, and I couldn’t burden young Lete. So I stayed here, waiting to give you a final greeting.”

The gentle words of her brother, gentle even in death, made Livia cry once more.

With wet eyes, Livia looked up at Iason whom she hadn’t seen for so very long. His soft-looking brown hair, deep auburn eyes, and unlike Livia who had faint freckles, his skin—unusually fair and clean for a man—mirrored their father perfectly.

With trembling hands, she rubbed Iason’s cheek. Feeling his ice-cold skin made his death real to her.

Iason tenderly held his sister’s hand that cupped his cheek. After gazing at her for a long while, he gently kissed her palm and closed his eyes.

Though Iason and Livia had always shared closeness, such an affectionate gesture marked a first, but considering the feelings between siblings barely reunited, it seemed comprehensible.

After all, she too wanted to embrace Iason right now and never let go.

Iason buried his face in Livia’s hands for a while, then released her seemingly without emotion, stepped back, and said:

“I can’t remove the cloak for long. Part of Charon’s contract requires never revealing his identity.”

They didn’t know who might watch them from where. In fact, even briefly removing the cloak could result in punishment if discovered by the underworld’s administrator.

Iason had earned the right to be reborn wherever and however he wished after 30 years of diligent service here.

However, punishment could extend those 30 years of service to 100 years. Despite this risk, he couldn’t resist after meeting Livia. After all, she provided the entire reason he had accepted Charon’s offer.

He gazed at his sister with affectionate eyes for a long time before putting the cloak back on. The sorrowful wailing sounds grew faint, and the boat began to rock more violently. This indicated they approached the upper reaches of the river.

Iason turned the boat around. The time had come to return to the dock where Mumu waited. His gaze, looking into the distance, sank with bitterness.

“Iason.”

Seeing him turn the boat, Livia called out to him. Iason turned his head toward her and said:

“I’ll find you a place to hide. But… it won’t last long. The underworld has eyes everywhere.”

“…If I motivated you to become a ferryman, now that you’ve met me, you don’t have to continue anymore?”

“No. The contract remains binding. But seeing you suffices. The rest of my obligations belong to me alone.”

His voice sounded resolute, seemingly telling her not to worry about it.

‘Contract…’

At Iason’s words, Livia habitually rubbed her wrist. What had happened to the witch? Was Triton’s tail safe? If she hid like this for the rest of her life, could she escape from the witch and that curse?

‘…But.’

Livia unconsciously rubbed her belly with concern. An unexpected variable had emerged. The being in her womb carried divine lineage.

Would she manage to give birth to this child without anyone knowing, and raise it alone?

Her head felt dizzy with the overwhelming prospect. It seemed nearly impossible. Moreover, she couldn’t give birth to and raise a living child here in the underworld rather than on earth.

The thought of needing another solution tightened her chest. Where should I go? No, where can I possibly go?

Avoiding Triton’s eyes seemed nearly impossible. And enduring the burning thirst because of his influence made everything more overwhelming.

As she prepared to sigh, Livia clenched her teeth, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

“……”

But what other options existed? This life and its results came from her choices. Bearing it remained entirely her responsibility. Whining to someone wouldn’t provide any answers.

Before she realized, the boat had arrived, and as she slowly opened her eyes, the riverbank approached. Mumu, who had waited for them, busily paced along the shore, wagging his tail vigorously.

As Iason’s boat neared the riverbank, and just as Livia rose to disembark, Iason held her back and said:

“Once you leave the boat, I won’t be able to speak to you.”

“Is that also a rule?”

To her careful question, Iason nodded and said:

“So I’ll tell you now, Livia. As a brother who loves you…”

Livia looked at him, indicating her understanding, and listened attentively.

“Running away provides no good answer.”

“……”

“By avoiding and running away, you might unknowingly lose something precious, or even everything. Things like opportunities for honesty, or choices that could restore everything.”

His voice remained calm, yet somehow conveyed deep regret.

After quietly gazing at her, Iason raised his hand from beneath the cloak and stroked Livia’s head. Regardless of warmth, the touch of her big brother who had always looked after her felt simply affectionate.

“But… I think sometimes you need time.”

He never criticized or reproached Livia’s choices, regardless of the situation. He never evaluated or insulted her choices under the guise of advice. He simply thought alongside her so she could make better choices, and silently supported her decisions once made.

That embodied Iason, her beloved big brother.

Always a wise counselor, my steadfast ally.

“Since you’ve come this far, take enough time. I’ve told Mumu about places where you might stay. I’ll also watch over you whenever I have time.”

As he finished speaking, Livia felt tears threatening again. She had never considered herself tearful, but lately, tears came unusually easily.

Before getting off the boat, she tightly hugged her brother once more, who wore Charon’s black garments. From the moment she turned her back on Triton and ran away from him, Livia had felt the world turn terribly cold. However, her brother’s embrace felt warm enough to make her unafraid of the harsh storms of the world.

“Thank you, Iason.”

His large hand patted Livia’s back. Though it guided the dead, to Livia alone, it undoubtedly provided a warm touch.

***

As Iason had mentioned, Mumu seemed to know the location beforehand, efficiently leading Livia somewhere.

The small cabin deep in the black forest appeared abandoned long ago, but someone had hastily tidied it up, making it decent enough for rest.

In any case, it offered less conspicuousness than the cave she had previously hidden in, yet much more comfort. After spending several days there, Livia belatedly noticed the black forest’s eerie quietness.

Not even small insects made sounds, and she hadn’t seen any passing animals. It felt quite gloomy and strange, but she lacked the luxury to explore the surroundings. Her belly grew noticeably day by day.

‘Why is it growing so fast?’

Perhaps because it was a god’s child? This certainly defied normal rates. She could still hide it with clothes, but feared that within a month, her belly would grow mountain-sized. She worried the baby might arrive before she could organize her thoughts, let alone make proper preparations.

Another two days passed.

Livia, who had fallen asleep while hugging Mumu, suddenly opened her eyes, startled by the sound of fluttering wings.